Trapped in Golden State Mock Draft Challenge

I can't help but question some of the Mock Drafts posted on every site and in every publication imaginable. How do any of these educated guesses make their thoughts any more relevant then those of hardcore fans who watch all of the same games? I can be convinced that guys like Chad Ford and even Yahoo's Marc Spears; who have "sources" that prefer to remain anonymous; have some real insight into what teams are thinking, making their picks more accurate. At the same time those "sources" are feeding them all types of garbage that they have to sift through because the teams are more interested in misleading other franchises then making sure ESPN has accurate information.

I'll be rewarding the reader who posts their picks and comes "closest to the cup' in picking the hardest and most important selections. The most valuable selections in this challenge are the Warriors picks at 7 and 30 followed by the picks lower in the lottery since those once are harder to nail down. DraftExpress may have more resources but I'll put the knowledge of Warrior fans up against anyone without inside information.

Highest score gets a Trapped in Golden State T shirt and the title of "Best Mock Drafter Trapped in Golden State." which will buy you a pack of gum if you throw in a dollar of your own.

Test your knowledge against the "experts" and let everyone know what direction you want the Warriors to go June 28th and beyond.

Rules: Copy and paste the draft order into the comments and fill in your picks next to each team name.

2 points for nailing picks 2 and 35 points for nailing picks 4 through 67 points for nailing the Warriors pick at number 72 points for each pick 8-14Mega number: Warriors pick at number 30 worth 15 points10 points for calling any trades that happen (must be called before 6/28 and before any news breaks)15 points for calling a Warriors tradeFunniest comments and best scenarios on realistic directions to go in the draft get extra points and could end up being the ultimate tie breaker.

Only one per person will be scored but if you tell me you want an updated version to be scored before 6/28 that is legal...

Thanks in advance for participating and I look forward to checking out your picks!

I may update my picks before draft day...so when it's over I can look back and say I should have just stuck with my gut...I'll be crossing my fingers, toes and nose hairs till the 28th that Beal or Robinson fall...If that happens I think that's just as good short term and way better long term then any of the potential trades out there...

Also Austin Rivers already has a promise from a lottery team and the Blazers prefer Drummond or Lillard over Dion Waiters. I dont see John Henson falling out of the lottery but I do see many teams passing on PJ3 because of the risk.

The Wizards really like Thomas Robinson but if he doesnt fall they prefer Beal over MKG. Interesting... considering that both Sacramento and Cleveland like Barnes as their small forward d that MKG could take a major draft fall

Since neither Charlotte nor Washington likes MKG, and he Cavs and Kings like Barnes, MKG coulod take a major fall. Portland does like him, and they seem like a possible destination ( they could use their 2 lottery picks to trade up)

All of this is what makes Mock Drafts both fun and pointless...Everyone reacts to every piece of misinformation that trickles out (any GM who comes out and says what they really thinks is stupid...Chad Ford knows his stuff but he's a mule for every team that wants put on a misdirection play)

Hearing about MJ and MKG isn't surprising because he is stupid as an exec...He should be gushing over him and Robinson to try and negotiate a higher price in a potential trade.

Just like the brass in Brooklyn are complete idiots for saying they traded a top 5 pick for Gerald Freaking Wallace because they only like three guys?!?! The stupidity of that statement and that trade deserves its own column but I don't think enough Warrior fans give a shit about the incompetence of other teams...We've got our own history to overcome.

1. Hornets: Ant Davis2. Bobcats: MKG3. Wizards: Thomas Robinson4. Cavs: Bradley Beal5. Kings: Andre Drummond6. Blazers: Damian Lillard7. Warriors: Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies with Dorell Wright, Richard Jefferson, the #35 and 52 pick for the rights to Rudy Gay.Grizzlies pick: Dion Waiters8. Raptors: Harrison Barnes9. Pistons: Jared Sullinger10. Hornets: Kendall Marshall11. Blazers: Myers Leonard12. Bucks: Tyler Zeller13. Suns: Jeremy Lamb14. Rockets: Arnett Moultrie30. Warriors: Festus Ezelihttp://shawnkfrazier.com/?p=273 this is my own article regarding the trade for Rudy Gay. In this article I suggested Biedrins instead of Jefferson, but largely, it is the same idea. This is something that helps get a long, large contract off the books for the Grizz, while Gay has seemed to hinder the Grizz in the playoffs. I believe the Dubs could win 55 games this year with Gay in the lineup if the major pieces remain unchanged and healthy.

I just read your two most recent articles after posting. You and I think much alike. I think Ezeli could be a great value at 30, and as you said, a longer Udoh. Gay is a great target and one that looks available, though not as far fetched as you seem to think according to your Warriors Super Bowl article. Good stuff. I will have to check your site more often.

While I may prefer Igoudala I have the same reservations as JR when it comes to the contract two years down the road. As I look more at the cap situation (especially when the cap is going down instead of up) I can't help but think we're best suited to accumulate some more assets right now. Getting Gay; and to a slightly lesser extent AI; means that he will be our highest paid player for years to come but will he be our best?

The question is how big of a luxury tax check is Lacob willing to write? If it's only a small one then we won't be adding anything to years to come even though we still won't be in any kind of championship contention. If it's a big one then by all means because this won't be the last move necessary to get where Lacob has repeatedly stated he wants to get. The team would be top 5 in the west this year in my mind but I'm not sure they would continue climbing.

As much as I am ready to go for broke right now I don't want to be Trapped in Golden State two and three years from now. Gay and AI are not the best players on championship caliber teams now and they won't be as they get deeper into their NBA careers even though their paychecks suggest they should be. Add to that we won't have a pick next year and I can't help but wonder how we add to that core and keep progressing.

I've been thinking more and more that the best course is to stockpile picks and young talent to the point where we can include Lee or even Bogut to put real money in the deal land the BIG fish. I feel like a flip flopping politician right now because I've been all about a trade since we knew we had a chance of keeping our pick. Now I'm going to have to write something that lays out all trade prospects now and in the future for myself and everyone else who's wondering what other paths will come available.

exactly...SF is the only place we don't have depth or health concerns right now so we're better off looking to make a deal at the deadline when our needs are more clear. I also have a feeling that someone else we like will come available from some other cheap team, some other disgruntled player and if Philly or Memphis stumble their price comes down too...

The W's are going to need some quality players under the rookie salary cap just to keep the players they have.

People seem to forget how good Curry really was at the end of his second season. That was with a bad ankle, w/ Monta on the ball 1/2 the time, and w/ Udoh & Biedrins at center. If Curry's ankles are a temporary setback like the Doc's say, he's going to command a hefty sum on the RFA market next year. Maybe we should be hoping the ankle woes linger for just a bit longer.

I don't have time for the mock draft but I feel that if PJ3 doesn't have his degree ready he better get it. Or go back to school. I saw enough out of his interview at Comcast to show me pass on him. Showed me little confidence in his performance. All during the conversation he is watching others on the court rather than paying attention to what he is doing on the interview. Shows me little ability to concentrate on the subject at hand. We don't need anymore players looking around the stands during time outs. On the other hand Jones showed me he had a head on his shoulders along with belief in himself. If I chose between the two I choose Jones in a heartbeat!!! S

If we HAD to choose is right...If T. Jones can play the 3 naturally on offense and defense I'm all for it but I'm just afraid of tweeners...

For anyone that is thinking about filling out a Mock Draft...If you were only to choose the Warriors picks you'd have a real shot at winning. I set it up so all the other slots are like bonus points. Get numbers 7 & 30 right and your in contention...I don't know about anyone else but those are the only two that I really care about...

Robinson.....K.J..... Ha... now after dreaming I think the asking price for Robinson will be too steep. I feel possibilities exist that the Pistons/T.wolves/Bucks may possibly wish to trade up to get a player of choice earlier. Ok let's go with # 7 & # 30. Daring as I am & how this team thinks I say the W's trade down. Management shows they are ready to deal so lets go with this. Maybe from #7 to #12 with the Bucks to possibly get Dion Waiters. Who they really take is only speculation. Plenty of like prospects here along with accumulating another draft pick for basically the same player. May even get the one wanted at 7 if the cards fell correctly. This idea makes sense if the W's take their blinders off to look for K.J. at #30(35?). I make moves to win not to play to fan favorites. So then, what about Steph? Curry: instant offense leaks oil on the "D". My thinking D before O as usual, tiresome to hear about. Waiters size fits modern day point guard needs on SIZE, Turnover ratio, shooting potential,with "D" ability. A triple threat player with true possibilities. Most rookie 1's are green when they get to the big's. Yet he shows me value at #12 much as Thompson did last season. This may also mean we gain their #42 pick to package with #30 to move forward in the draft. Or maybe bolster next season's picks. Maybe the mid 20's now? Any way you look at it lets assemble more picks so when the right time shows in this draft we have abilities to make other sensible moves( As the 49ers/N.E. do). I feel it would be ludicrous to pick at #7, too much of the same behind this pick. I feel the value of this draft may be felt between 12-36. Maybe Ezeli could come to front, talented at 6'11 & averaging over 10 rebounds per game. Gave Unibrow issues in their contest. Many players of like talent fall here & a few gems are present if all falls into place. I feel that if the BB gods are with G.S. we do get K.Jones. The steal of NBA draft. "Moneyball" #s shown. I see another Barkley, Oakley in the mix with him. Needs help on his mid range shooting. His ability to hone his needed talents shows me the ability for him to improve his shooting potential. This morning gaining info. for this pick I see D.E. shows the W's to take Tony Wroten? G.S. please understand that we are looking for basketball players, not brick layers! You will spend his career teaching him shoot. Sign McGuire please before drafting him! I had a teammate when I played who shot like him. Every time he touched the ball I had a coronary. Thank God we led the league in "D". My 2012 Mock Joke Pick: If I knew I would get K.J.with the 35th pick I then trade the #30th pick + our newly aquired #42 pick back to S.A. for :Gregg Popovich/Coach/San Antonio Spurs. My draft has now been completed. One thing about Gregg, you will be held accountable for your actions regardless of pay scale or stature. If "Pop" ran the show in Oakland last season I wouldn't be sweating bullets as I do!! S

Of course I would rather take Waiters too(where Dwayne Wade meets James Harden) but I have heard that the Logo sees something in Sullinger just like he did in Klay. Even if Sullinger turns out to be a bench player, he can still provide rebounding, and Ezeli(hopefully he falls to 30) looks like a longer Udoh.Pair this with Lee and Bogut and you have a great frontcourt.

I don't dislike him. Just like the value of the big men lower in the round better from a value standpoint. I can see where some don't want another undersized four but I think it's mostly where we are picking. If we had a pick in the 10-14 range you'd be hearing way less hate...

Sorry I'm so late J.R but I haven't seen much of him but as most things I really don't care who they pick if he fits our needs. A thing that catches my attention is when someone is labeled "soft". We have plenty of "soft". Sullinger did look skilled at handling the ball & passing. The need is "physical" & I don't care if it's Sullinger, Ezeli, or whoever. McGuire demeanor with Ezeli's size. If all of our injured reserve return healthy & can maintain their health for a complete season (big "if") we aren't nearly as far away as we think. I feel our most important need is a 4 who can bang, D , rebound while scoring in the paint. Sullinger shoots better than average from the ft line. If he has the ability to do the first three he could be the answer. I don't question his offensive abilities. S

100% agreed that the W's need strength & rebounding in the post, that's why Sullinger looks great to me at 7... At least on paper & based on 2 sources below.

From http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/big-board

"Can be a dominant rebounder. … High basketball IQ. … Skilled and physical. … Versatile scorer.. facing up and.. in the paint.. ability to utilize his frame to create space. … Very good passer.. … Has very good hands -- and catches most anything thrown his way..."

The SportingNews analyst also talked Sully up saying they thought he'd be a terrific NBA player.

The only part of that I'd question is the part about being a versatile scorer. Ike Diogu and Danny Fortson were good scorers coming out too...lol...The rebounding will translate but there is going to be a steep learning curve before he's effective on the offensive end...His IQ, hands, passing, rebounding and footwork can help the second unit right away though.

NO...lol...you can submit a new mock before the 28th if you want though...You will get extra points for making a joke out of how ridiculous it would be for the Wiz, Kings and Cavs to let him fall to Portland.

2. Bobcats: Last second trade with GSW ! We draft MKG ! (They take all our picks plus D. Wright, Biedrins, and R Jeff. We get all their garbage albatross contracts in return. Such a deal!) Actually, only us getting MKG for our 4 picks should be counted for score purposes.

Hey Mr. Mean...I think you got the Bobcats and Wizards mixed up if you're referring to Jordan as the tongue...lol...Either way, if we end up trading all four picks to move up to two or three you'll get credit for it...thanks for posting...

Boy, I was out of it yesterday. Too many days in a row here over 95 with 95 % humidity. Today, being much cooler finally, I see I must be getting quite senile as I must have been dreaming MJ was still running the Wizards, wow ! Actually a bit confusing to guess just whom each team likes the most and what they might be willing to do in a trade. A lot of smoke screening going around and a lot of dumb GM's to foil our most logical scenarios.

One thing I think we might see over the next couples years with the salary cap coming down is the value of draft picks going up. As the cost of draft picks in the NFL came down the value went up and we saw a ton of movement on draft day. It won't be quite as dramatic in the NBA with less players in the league and less picks but but with a lower cap guys who can play for cheap under 4 year contracts will be valuable.

And to your point, the smoke screening is what makes mock drafts and trades so ridiculous...you have to sort through so much BS and filter every bit of info you read.

Who said it? Owner, Player, GM, Coach or Agent? Everyone has their own motives and reason for speaking.Who did they say it to? Everyone has preferred sources for different types of stories...Local, national, print, web...it's exhausting to do it for just the Warriors. I can't imagine having to do it for all 30 teams...

Here is the last scouting report I'm reading on Sullinger...I don't want him unless we're trading down to get him after this one...

2. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

The reward: Sullinger has long been admired by NBA scouts and college coaches alike for his versatile low-post game, soft hands and "Elton Brand-like" ability to maneuver around longer bodies despite a shorter frame. Sullinger compares somewhat to how Kevin Love was viewed, although Love was bigger and more dominant when he came out. Sullinger's ceiling is that of a fit Brand, an All-Star-level power forward with face-up abilities out to 20 feet.

The risk: Sullinger is not the athlete that Love is; he struggles to guard ball screens (the primary offense of the NBA) and score over length, which is more present in the league every year. Sullinger was an unathletic, overweight mess in Chicago. His agility drills were embarrassing -- and if that was just training for the combine, imagine what he will look like in an NBA camp. Sullinger's propensity to gain weight, struggle with length and his dominance at the college level reminds me of Michael Sweetney.

Where he should go: Truthfully, late in the first round. Sullinger has a lot of basketball skill, but he is not only smallish, he lacks athleticism. Combine that with his not being a good defender and it takes a unique need to bring him in.

I don't understand the scoring system. For example, it says, "2 points for nailing picks 2 and 3", but what if you get only one of them right? And what if a trade is made and you correctly predict the selected player, but the team and/or placement of the pick is different?

Here it is in a nutshell ap...The Warriors picks are most valuable so if you get those right you're most likely a finalist. Picks 2 and 3 are the easiest in theory so you get 2 points for getting them both right and none for missing one. Picks 4-6 are slightly harder so you get 5 points for nailing those and none for missing one. Picks 8-14 should be the most difficult then the first 7 so those are worth 2 points each. If you call a trade between the proper teams with the primary pieces in the trade you will be rewarded full credit.

The way I see it, I'm rewarding knowledge of the Warriors prospects and knowledge of the whole lottery instead of just the first few picks which everyone will be talking about.

Thanks for clearing that up Justin, I'm not predicting any trades though because that might mess up my whole mock draft if I get it wrong.I'm still upset over the bucks, bobcats, and kings ruining my mock last year with their 3 team trade lol

ok so i think its pretty obvious these will be the top 6, now here is when it gets interesting, if we're going on "best player available" and factor in team needs

7) Warriors: Henson

Really feel that we need to back up D Lee with shot blocking and rebounding, have solid rotation guys at every other spot except PF, who needs Sullinger's "polished" offence and good footwork in the post when we have Lee & Bogut? toss up between terrence jones and henson but just feel that henson can be that athletic big we need off the bench, udoh 2.0

got a feeling he might slip through the teens and 20's and all the way to the W's, and if he does slide, with his potential, there's no way we could pass up on him (as long as we get that back up big at #35)

DUB CITY STORE

5000 STRONG ON FACEBOOK

Total Page Views

About the Author

Following the Warriors can be very hard sometimes (or most times) but if you're like me and you'll be watching every game and following every move you need to have a sense of humor. The goal of Trapped in Golden State is entertain to distract from the pain. As a fan who has been loyal to the Warriors 30+ years I have seen the way the team can put a PR spin on any and every story. I am here to continue rooting for the team with the most passionate fans anywhere while decoding the BS wherever necessary.